Engine removal and installation estimate

[MedPhys]

Ok, so I want to remove my engine and go through it since I am beginning the journey to a reliable nice looking 69 charger.  I don't have much space in my garage 2 car, but I have a new baby so I can't put one of the cars (baby vehicle) in the driveway.  Removing the engine and installing it is not beyond my scope, but I would have to purchase a lot of equipment and tools.  I'm trying to decide if the following quote is worth it to avoid bying tools and saving my time.  I've been quoted $800 - $1000 from and automotive shop that was recommended by a engine builder ( they only build motors) to remove and then reinstall.  Is this a good price, or too high?  We will assume I will take the car to them in running condition and is returned in running condition.  I will then have the car painted. motor checked out ( and cam swapped), but that's for a different post.  I have questions about what cam, and will post engine, rear-end and tranny specs later.

Thanks

[rav440]

$800.00-$1000.00 could buy alot of nice tools . sounds like alot to me to pull and install .

if it were me id invest the $$ into the tools and do it my self . actully thats what i did .

searh the craigslist.net you can find the lift , engine stand , & a good used compressor for under $500.00 and the buy a nice set of wrenchs & air tools and a tap system for the old fridge yopu find on CL call your buddys and goto town on the car . 

[Rolling_Thunder]

doesnt seem to be a horrible price. I know places out here charge more than that...       $100.00 per hour and it takes what ? 12 hours to remove and install an engine ?  so that is $1200.00   prices go up from there

[Finn]

The only things I remember having to buy for the engine pull was a engine lift and engine stand, I got both on sale and I think the total came in under 250 bucks if I remember right??
If I didnt have to put the engine back in myself Id sell them to you cheap, the parents want my shit out of their yard lol...

[MedPhys]

Iv'e never actually pulled an engine before.  Only worked on them in or out of a vehicle.  Is it possible to pull the engine with my tti headers attached?  I remember it being awfully tight when they went on.  I think I tried 50 different times to get the steering column side header on with no luck, then all of a sudden it slipped into place with no problem.  Funny how that works sometimes.  It sounds like I should just do it myself.  I hate outsourcing because I just don't trust that it will be done right.  I've only been in Huntsville for 10 months, and don't have any leads on a reputable shop.  It's scary trying to pick a place out of a phone book.  Just because a place has a lot of nice parts on the shelf doesn't mean they can build a quality motor. 

Thanks for the help

[Finn]

I would doubt it. I stripped everything I could off of mine for weight reasons and room to manuver.
As far as picking an engine shop, ask around at car shows and/or a local well known hot rod builder's shop.
I lucked out and had a friend that is a mechanic who suggested jim grubbs motorsports. Turned out to be a great guy and his shop did an awesome job.

Good luck!

[terrible one]

The only things I remember having to buy for the engine pull was a engine lift and engine stand, I got both on sale and I think the total came in under 250 bucks if I remember right??
If I didnt have to put the engine back in myself Id sell them to you cheap, the parents want my shit out of their yard lol...

I'm telling you! I don't have room for a lift so I rented for $36 for a day and bought a stand from the flea market for $45 = $81

[gordo1968charger]

i bought an engine crane for 150 quid,(new)but you can hire them cheap enough,engine stand cost me about 50 quid(new).
for a 1000 dollars i ll fly out and do it for ya!!
it really is that simple!
lots of very very good advice on this site!
if you get stuck

[tecmopar]

I've recently seen the folding engine cranes for under $200 and decent quality, stand for under $100, both at Advance and Autozone and you can always sell them when done. Or look into renting the crane. Now I've done this too many times, I just about always pull motor and trans together and as long as your not dealing with rusted bolts and such it only takes a few hours with a decent set of tools, theres not really that many bolts/nuts to remove. If memory serves me you can't pull it with the headers attached and those will take the most time to do. Think about it, there are only 8 bolts/nuts holding the motor and trans in place, 4 on the driveshaft, a few on the radiator and hoses and then all the little stuff and its ready to be yanked out. I guess because I've done it so many times it really is simple for me, good luck.

[MedPhys]

I really appreciate the advice.  I'm starting to get excited again about working on my car.  It's been a long time.  I'm going to do it myself.  As far as cranes go.  Do I need a 1 ton or 2 ton?  I'm concerned with the 1 ton only being able to lift 500 lbs when boom is fully extended.  I plan on removing the trans as well.  2 ton is only $50 more and well worth it for safety if I will be at the limit of the 1 ton crane.

[pullrock]

I recommend that you purchase a book that really helped me.  I had the aptitude but have never removed and installed an engine before.  This really helped a lot!  It even shows you how to tell what motor mount goes on what side of the engine.  (Make sure to mark them when you take them off)

Hot to rebuild Big-Block Mopar Engines.  By Don Taylor.
http://www.amazon.com/Big-block-mopar-engines-Don-Taylor/dp/1557881901

Good luck!

Eric

[rav440]

I really appreciate the advice.  I'm starting to get excited again about working on my car.  It's been a long time.  I'm going to do it myself.  As far as cranes go.  Do I need a 1 ton or 2 ton?  I'm concerned with the 1 ton only being able to lift 500 lbs when boom is fully extended.  I plan on removing the trans as well.  2 ton is only $50 more and well worth it for safety if I will be at the limit of the 1 ton crane.

get a 2 ton . like i said do a searh on the craigslist.net i see them on all the time in pittsburgh for about half cost of new and they were barley used , so you should should be able to find them on there were you live .

good luck